4.09.2013

Try This: Hot Air Balloons

Try This: Hot Air Balloons

Yesterday, I shared pictures of the hot air balloon-themed baby shower that I co-hosted over the weekend. I worked with Alison, the mom-to-be, to make sure all my shower decor could pull double duty in the nursery. In fact, she even shared scrap fabric from some bedding projects that her mother-in-law is taking on to integrate into my projects. Today, I'm here to share the full how-to for making the centerpiece of the shower's decor -- the hot air balloons themselves.

Read on for the full tutorial.MATERIALS: Paper Lantern, Fabric, Wooden Berry Baskets, Twine

ONE: What we're essentially doing here is making a fabric tube with drawstrings at the top and bottom. The length and height of this tube will be guided by the measurements of your paper lantern. Measurement A represents the circumference and length of the tube. Measurement B is the surface distance between each of the lantern's openings and represents the height of your tube.

TWO: Based on these measurements, cut your fabric to size adding the necessary seam allowances. For example, my lantern had a circumference of 56" and a surface distance of 22". I chose eight alternating panels using Alison's fabric -- each cut to 8" wide (56" divided by 8 panels + 1/2" seam allowance on each side) by 24" tall (22" + 1" on the top and bottom for the drawstrings).

THREE: With right sides facing, sew all the panels end to end -- including the first and last panels -- to create a tube. Along one of the seams, leave an unsewn opening about 1/2" long 1/4" from both the top and bottom edges. Trim any excess fabric.

FOUR: Fold over about 1" of fabric on the top and bottom. Press into place. Place a length of twine under the fold, and thread the ends through the unsewn openings.

FIVE: Topstitch the folds down about 3/4" from the edge, making sure to keep the twine inside the fold. Tie the ends of the twine together, and trim.

SIX: Assemble the lanterns. Place the fabric tube around them and cinch the top and bottom. Tie off the twine, and either trim or tuck inside. Attach a little wooden berry basket like these with some twine. I glued a few mini paper flags around the edge for a little something extra! Hang and enjoy!

Those are Oh. So. Cute! Thanks for sharing how you made them. I saw your post over at Dollar Store Crafts. I don't know if I have seen the large paper lanterns like those at my Dollar Store but now I will keep my eyes out for them.

I'm not sure I understand the question. The fabric that I used to make the lantern covers were just quilting cotton. The paper lanterns themselves can be found at World Market, Ikea, or at online shops like Luna Bazaar. I hope this helps!

Like one of my projects? Great! Want to re-post it? Fabulous! I just ask that you link back directly to the tutorial on my li'l blog here rather than re-posting the instructions. Other photo permission requests can be directed to mandy@fabricpaperglue.com. Thanks!

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